WATERBURY — Officials are warning Vermonters to keep an eye on rivers and streams as ice jams may be an issue as the weather warms this weekend.

The Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security sent out a release Friday saying the National Weather Service has forecast warm temperatures and rain for Vermont this weekend. The weather service has issued a flood watch for all of Vermont except Grand Isle County, for the potential of localized ice jam flooding.

A flood watch means that flooding is possible under certain conditions, but is not imminent.

The weather service said rain combined with warmer temperatures will lead to rising of rivers and streams, causing ice movement and potential ice breakup. It is possible that as the ice breaks up, an ice jams will form and cause fast developing flooding upstream of the jam. If an ice jam breaks, a sudden release of water can cause flooding in areas downstream.

Vermonters are encouraged to be prepared to take appropriate action based on circumstances. Ice jams and the resulting flooding are highly unpredictable, and can happen in a matter of minutes. Those who live or travel near river or streams that are prone to ice jams are encouraged to closely monitor the situation, as some roads may become impassible due to flooding from a localized ice jam.